Effects of periurethral cleaning on bacteriuria after urinary catheterization: randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of periurethral cleaning with the use of common soap and antiseptics on the incidences of asymptomatic bacteriuria in adult patients undergoing delayed urinary catheterization. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial pilot conducted between December 2017 and January 2019, with 28 patients admitted to a large hospital undergoing urinary catheterization. Participants were randomly allocated to groups: soap (n = 11) and antiseptic group (n = 17). Urocultures were collected at the time of catheter insertion and 24 hours later. Results: The overall incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 7.14%, in the soap group it was 9.1% and in the antiseptic group it was 5.9%. Logistic regression showed that there are no statistically significant differences in the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria when cleaning with soap or antiseptics (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine). Conclusion: There are no statistically significant differences when using common soap or antiseptic for periurethral cleaning prior to the insertion of the urinary catheter when comparing the incidences of BA.